Well, besides lower cost, less crowds, hassle and hoopla, and, to me, a more rewarding race experience, I think athletes get much better treatment at smaller, independent races. For example, I recently got two emails from the race director (RD) of the Gator Half Iron, which I'm doing next month:

One had this picture of their trapper doing her job to ensure we have a nice race.

Because we all know gators are a possibility in FL lakes, although in March they are most likely hibernating or inactive and oblivious to any neoprene clad triathletes sneaking into their territory. In late May, however, when the water temps are 80+ degs, well, that's another story (and one you won't likely hear about from the Florida 70.3 RD).

The other had a photo of one of their volunteers to do body marking for the ladies.

Because we all know what a special and sensual experience it is to expose your arms and legs to be tickled by a big black felt marker, and how the person doing it can make or break your race. At M-dot races, chances are that all the hotties are doing the race so that the folks doing the marking are, uh, let's say, less hot.

It's these little things that make a race special to me. That personal touch from RDs, a race shirt or logo that every other triathlete is NOT wearing, the satisfaction of gutting things out when there was NO ONE around to carry you to the finish, that look of awe in others when they find out you went 140.6 (or 70.3) miles just for fun, NOT for a label.

37 comments:

Can't wait to hear all about the Gator Half, I was TEMPTED to sign up for it as my first half, but got a little freaked out by the gator issue... Maybe next year though! And yes, the race director sounds great!

I have yet to do a half ironman or full ironman but always wondered what the big deal was about that M-dot. Seems like just some marketing ploy. I'd much rather do a smaller race that is affordable and closer to home.

i like the big races OK... but i def much prefer smaller ones! just less of a headache and NOT OVERPRICED! rock 'n roll for example... hello, $100 for a half marathon you have to be kidding me..........

i would sign up for this ironman just so i could be bodymarked by that one. yummy ;)

Ha, ha! Go for it BIG or don't go for it all, right Shirley? I agree, the big marathons are fine but there are other fish to fry and they all have their own flavor. A little something for everyone! Stay real Shirley!

I'm still pretty new to tris but think that I culd only do a Ironman brand race. Hearing those words you are an Ironman is really important to me and I don't think I could finish without people around to keep me going. If I do one though I'd probably buy enough mdot stuff so I won't have to every do another one, lol!!!!!

The Mango race is the best race, it's local, and for the ladies the race organizer also sometimes body marks them, and its just swimsuits the whole race, and a dip in the ocean to cool off when you finish.

Never a "hate" - I can totally see your point. Not about IronMan really - just because I've never done one - but with running races. I intersperse the very "big" races with some tiny ones and enjoy the differences.

I totally agree with you. Being in Chicago I've done the Chicago Half(s) and full marathon but I'm getting tired of the high race fee's and the jam packed race course. This year I'm seeking and trying out smaller races. I'm enjoying the smaller groups and little race fee's.

Okay, I don't consider myself a triathlete by any means, but if I did an iron distance race, I think I'd have to do an M-dot. I guess it is the marketing and the "You are an Ironman" fantasy. If I were in the market to do repeated iron distance races, though, I'd probably like to try a smaller race. I definitely love smaller marathons for all the reasons you mentioned.

Altho I am so glad for my IM branded race experience, I also loved doing the 'local' iron distance race and if I do another one, would probably look for another non-branded race. B2B looks like fun...maybe some day. :)

Body marking... that's why I like to do the local triathlon here called the Trideltathon. Delta Delta Delta Sorority girls mark the numbers on the racers... yes... sometimes it's the little things that make ALL the difference.